President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. hailed the Western Command troops for exercising restraint when they were engaged by hostile Chinese sailors during their recent resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.

During his visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Western Command in Palawan on Sunday, President Marcos said he was impressed by the conduct shown by the troops involved in the mission.

“As your Commander-in-Chief, I have never been prouder of the brave women and men of not just the Western Command but the entire Armed Forces as I am today,” President Marcos said.

“I salute the eighty officers and troops who sailed the waters and exercised the greatest restraint amidst intense provocation,” he said.

The China Coast Guard rammed into the Filipino vessel on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal. The Filipino troops were then attacked by bladed and pointed weapons to prevent the resupply mission.

A Philippine Navy personnel, Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo, lost a finger during the fracas.

“You demonstrated to the world that the Filipino spirit is one that is brave, determined, and yet is compassionate,” President Marcos said.

“Even stronger are the people who continue to inspire and motivate you to be at your best: your families, your friends who continue to pray for your safety and to try to ease your worries,” he said.

The President awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kampilan to Facundo for his actions during the mission.

Aside from Facundo, 79 others who joined the mission were awarded by the President the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kamagi.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is awarded to government officials and personnel, as well as to private individuals, in recognition of their invaluable or extraordinary service in furtherance of the President’s campaign or advocacy.

“As we award these medals, we remember that on June 17th, we made a conscious and deliberate choice to remain in the path of peace. The government will continue to provide you all your needs and look after your welfare and your families’ welfare.,” President Marcos said.

The President called on the men and women of the Western Command to continue fulfilling their duties of defending the Philippines with integrity and respect.

“So, on behalf of the Filipino nation, I make this great request. Continue to fulfill your duty of defending the nation with integrity and respect as you have done so far,” President Marcos said. | PND